National Academy of Sports MedicineReviews of nasm.org

If you're even mildly dyslexic, or have a visual learning style - forget it! NASM don't want you or anyone else without a photographic memory to be in this industry. Not to say that those with photographic memory actually understand what they are doing, but understanding is not the objective here - its an extremely intense reading and memory test/game where if you fail - F@*k you, pay me! I've just completed the CES 3, boiled down, there's only 7 posture distortions you need to know (which could be whittled down to just 4). By referencing a Flow chart you will know what correction programme to recommend. Thats it. Why on earth you need to memorise the name and function of every single muscle, bone, joint, tendon and nerve in the body. Every injury, pathology and treatment procedure outside your scope. Nutrition plans, (yes nutrition planning for corrective exercise) is simply beyond me, because you NEVER use any of it. But if you fail, you'll feel stupid and pay do it again, because people with that kind of memory are not PTs.

I have been in the fitness and human performance industry for over 25 years and NASM has been a HUGE part of my experience. I found NASM back in 1997 and immediately attached myself to the body of knowledge. It filled huge gaps in both my learning and understanding of movement and how to impart that knowledge to my clients. Over the years the model and depth of knowledge NASM offers has only expanded and has both challenged me and improved my ability to assimilate information in the field and utilize it in a systematic way to improve health, fitness and performance of those I work with. Thank you!

I'm a gym owner and I love the NASM model. It keeps my trainers progressing with their clients in a smart and educated way. If we ever need to have a trainer substitute they can pick up easily where the trainer left off by following the model. The best way to train any client. Thank you NASM.

I took the NASM CPT exam. It is a LOT of information! I needed all of the time to study. I remembered from taking the AFAA exam, planned 6 months out and made sure I didn't have any deadlines around that time. TIP: read the NASM CPT Handbook BEFORE signing up for the program. I found the new CPT7 online platform EVEN BETTER! There was a dictionary for instant definitions, videos, practice test, and much more. I could see my progress and see what else needed to be done, it was helpful to block out my study time. In addition, there's a free blueprint of topics covered on the exam and a study guide. I emailed their student success email address when I really couldn't understand or needed clarification on a concept. I watched NASM CPT Podcast on YouTube with Rick Richey. The week before the exam, I took a practice exam every other day. Because the nearest in person test location was an hour away, I took it virtually at home on my computer. I scheduled my exam 5.5 months out. That was lucky as something came up and I had to reschedule my exam. Since I did it more than 24 hours in advance, I was able to do it for free & there were plenty of times. I was anxious about having tech issues but my proctor was extremely helpful and kind, it was a relatively easy experience. The CPT exam was also not as bad as I feared. The test didn't ask for definitions per se, it asked for application of the information in an exercise setting and deeper understanding of the concepts. I think the information it asked overall were important to know as a personal trainer. Off the top of my head, the different stages/reps/tempos/etc. of the OPT model, OSHA, under & over active muscles, postural distortions, balance mechanisms, and behavioral changes. Being a certified NASM CPT gives me instant credibility at any gym I walk into and a way to be in fitness full time without putting too much stress on my body. The experience was stressful and challenging, took time & effort however I am extremely satisfied with my end result.

I normally never write reviews, but I wanted to share my experience with NASM/AFAA. Primarily, I am thankful for the resources to study for the exams. I have taken the AFAA GFI and NASM CPT exams, and I was most impressed with the study tools. I am in education, and using the exam blueprints were the most helpful in knowing what to study. I have tried other organizations, and their resources were not as easy to follow in an organized way. While the content was challenging, the tools provided made the process much easier. I have progressed to other courses from NASM (such as the corrective exercise) based off of this experience.

I have been NASM certified since 2003 and have taken countless continuing education courses, as well as multiple advanced credentials through NASM. I am excited to see that they are offering their OPTIMA 2022 virtual conference for free, unless you are looking to obtain CEU's. They have pulled together leaders in the industry and have a great event scheduled. I am so happy that I can have access to this content for free! Thank you NASM!

I began my journey with NASM back in 2010, when I first completed my certification. Since then, I have completed many specializations and attained NASM Master Trainer. One of the great things about NASM is that the courses provide an in-depth review of the science and provide a solid and reliable training model to help with exercise programming. So, not only did the course help me help my clients reach their goals, but I was able to explain the science and answer all of my client's questions. Additionally, the variety of specialization options allowed me the opportunity to pursue continuing education courses that captured my interests and fit my client's various needs, from nutritional guidance to behavior change and corrective exercise. The NASM Certified Personal Trainer course and Corrective Exercise Specialization gave me the confidence to pursue a Master's degree in Exercise Science and eventually my doctorate. The NASM courses were so well respected that I even received some course credit from the university. I attribute much of my success to NASM and the evidence-based education I attained through them. If you are thinking of pursuing a career in health & fitness or wishing to further your existing career, I highly recommend them!

My experience with the NASM material is overwhelmingly positive! I use the template all the time. So many options to utilize based upon my clients' goals. It doesn't matter whether they want to lose weight, gain agility, or simply move more often. I have a resource to help me be a better trainer.